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Pat Cummins has been confirmed as the captain for Australia’s campaign in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The announcement marks his return after an ankle injury and a notable absence from the upcoming Sri Lanka tour.
- Cummins will lead the Australian squad in Pakistan.
- Australia aims to reclaim the Champions Trophy title after 15 years.
- New faces include Matt Short, Aaron Hardie, and Nathan Ellis.
Australia’s Preliminary Squad Features New Talent
Australia has unveiled a 15-player preliminary squad for the tournament. Notable additions include Matt Short, Aaron Hardie, and Nathan Ellis, all making their debut in an ICC event. These players replace the outgoing David Warner, Cameron Green, and Sean Abbott.
Matt Short and Aaron Hardie have shown promising performances in recent domestic competitions. Nathan Ellis, known for his strong performances in the Big Bash League, adds depth to the pace attack.
Squad Overview
The selected squad blends experienced players with new talent, providing flexibility for different match conditions in Pakistan. The full squad is as follows:
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Alex Carey
- Nathan Ellis
- Aaron Hardie
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Mitchell Marsh
- Glenn Maxwell
- Matt Short
- Steve Smith
- Mitchell Starc
- Marcus Stoinis
- Adam Zampa
Cummins’ Return: A Boost for Australia
Cummins’ return to the squad is a significant boost. He missed the Sri Lanka tour due to an ankle issue and personal commitments as he expects the birth of his second child. His leadership will be crucial as Australia navigates tough opponents in the group stages.
Group Stage Fixtures
Australia faces a challenging group stage, starting with a match against England. The fixtures are as follows:
- 22 February: Australia vs England, Lahore
- 25 February: Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi
- 28 February: Australia vs Afghanistan, Lahore
Nathan Ellis: A Rising Star
Nathan Ellis has earned his spot with consistent performances in the Big Bash League. His ability to bowl in crucial moments, both at the start and end of innings, makes him a valuable addition to the squad.
All-Rounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardie
Both Matt Short and Aaron Hardie offer versatility. Short has been a reliable presence in One Day Internationals since David Warner’s retirement. Hardie brings experience with 11 appearances in 50-over cricket.
Selection Rationale
Chairman of selectors, George Bailey, emphasized the importance of a balanced squad. The team includes key players from the recent World Cup and successful tours in the UK and Pakistan. This experience will be pivotal in adapting to different conditions in Pakistan.
Historical Context and Expectations
Australia has a rich history in the Champions Trophy, last winning in 2009. The team aims to end a 15-year drought and add another title to their impressive record. The opening match against England will set the tone for their campaign.
Injury Updates and Returns
Josh Hazlewood returns to the squad after recovering from a calf injury. Like Cummins, Hazlewood will miss the Sri Lanka tour but is expected to play a significant role in the Champions Trophy.
Australia’s squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is a mix of experience and fresh talent. With Pat Cummins at the helm, the team is poised for a strong performance in Pakistan. The new inclusions provide strategic flexibility, and the experienced core is well-prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
